Weekend Jumpstart: December 20-22, 2013

Is there one final pre-Christmas show on the menu?

Apparently this is the most wonderful time of the year. For most of us, I suppose that means a couple of days off, some cool presents, and lots of eating and drinking. But for some it’s just another weekend to play a show, and so the acts below deserve kudos for bringing it every night at a time of the year when everyone else in the music world is reflecting on 2013 and laying the groundwork for next year. A salute to the following acts then, all of whom you can catch in our fair city over the weekend.

Perfect Pussy @ 7th Street Warehouse – Friday, December 20th

I wrote about this Syracuse punk band a couple of weeks ago, suggesting that they have the potential to really blow up next year. Right now they’re building their reputation the old-fashioned way: by playing blistering live shows night after night and sweating for the cause. They’ll have a debut album out in early 2014 on Captured Tracks, but for now this warehouse show in downtown Los Angeles should whet plenty of appetites on the West Coast. Tickets will be 6 dollars at the door. I will see you down there.

From a Christmas spirit point of view, this event is notable for collecting and distributing unwrapped toys for disadvantaged people, an admirable cause in itself and something Stevie has been doing for a while now. From a musical point of view, Stevie Wonder will be performing Songs In The Key Of Life in its entirety. I really don’t need to say anymore than that.

For something a little different on Saturday night, there’s the musical and theatrical performance extravaganza of the Lucent Dossier Experience, who will be performing their new show, Solstice of the Dreamers, at the Fonda Theatre. You can trust me when I say that their shows are a visual and aural treat and that there are few better ways to be spending this Saturday if you’re not stuck at a Christmas party. It’s probably worth sneaking out for even if you are.